Electric welding machine



l0 ASheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. 21, 1925 C. M. MaCCHESNEY ET AL ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE Dec. 11, 1928.

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Dec. l1, 1928.

C. M. MaCCHESNEY ET AL ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE Filed Sept. 21, 1923 1Q Sheets-Sheet 2 MM MVK/@5 Dec. l1, 1928-. 1,694,512 A c. M. MaccHEsNEY ET AL ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE Filed Sept. 2l, 1923 l0 Sheets-Sheet 3 I f 2472 i //0-Zr Edf /ZZfI/afo? 2/ 6@ 6765 A y @y Dec. 1:1, 1928. 1,694,512

c. M. MaccHEsNEY ET AL ELECTRI C WELDING MACHINE Filed sept. 21, 192s 1o sheets-Sheet 4 SNN@ 1- m www@ @TTV

Dec. 11, 1928. l 1,694,512

c. M. MaccHEsNEY ET A1.

ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE Filed Sept. 21, 1925 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Dec. 11,1928.. 1 l 1,694,512

C. M. MaCCHESNEY El' AL ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE Filed SeptN 21, 192.5 1,0 Sheets-Sheet 7 45 L93 'l /56 f `\J;f5@

JQ@ /2 50i 79 Dec. ll, 1928.

1,694,512 c. M, MaccHEsNEY Er Al.

ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE Filed sept. 21, 1925 1o sheets-sheet e Dec. 11, 1928. 1,694,512

l c. M. MaCcHEsNEY ET AL ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE Filed Sept. l21, 1923 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 L@ www,

Dec. 1l, 1928.

c. M. MaccHEsNEY ET AL ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE Filed Sept. 21, 1923 l0 Sheets-5h98?, 10

Patented Dec. 11, 192s.

UNITED STATES CHESTER `M. MACCHESNEY AND RALPH H. NORTON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AS-

SIGNORS TO ACME STEEL COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE.

Application led September 21, 1923. Serial No. 694,089.

This invention relates to improvements in electric welding machines adapted for use in welding the ends of two straps or wires or for welding the overlapping ends of a strap or wire which has been bent into looped form.'

The invention may be employed with particular advantage in applying and welding reinforcing straps or bands on boxes or packages.

The means for applying the reinforcing strap l to the package is claimed in my co-pending divisional application Serial No. 48,980, filed August 8, 1925.

One object of the invention is to provide improved means for positioningr the reinforcing strap on the box or package and severing the strap from the supply before welding it.

A further object is to provide improved means for Welding together the overlapping parts of the strap in proximity to the ends thereof. Another distinguishing feature of the invention iS the provision of adjustable welding points adapted to engage the overlapping parts of the stra in a plurality of positions.

Still another ob]ect is to provide improved mechanism for stretching the strap on the box before the welding operation takes place. Improved means have also been provided for insuring the passage of a current through the welding points after these points have been brought into contact with the overlapping portions ofthe strap. Other objects relate to various features of construction and arrangement which will appear more fully hereinafter.

The nature of the invention lwill be understood from the following specification, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which one embodiment is illustrated.

In. the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a front elevation of the machine withv parts thereof broken away; F ig.2 shows a detail section taken on the Iline 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a top plan viewof the box-supporting table,

illustrating the means for positioning boxes thereon; Fi 4 is a detailed sectional view taken on the ine-4 4 of Fig. 3, lookin in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 5 is a etailed sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 6 shows a side elevation of the machine, looking toward the right as viewed in Fig. 1; Fig. 7 shows an enlarged side elevation ofthe upper portion of the machine, illustrating the mechanism for operating the welding points and other parts of the welding apparatus; Fig. 8 shows a top plan view of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 7 Fig. 9 shows aside elevation of the mechanism illustrated 1n Figs. 7 and 8, looking forward toward the rear side of the machine as viewed in Fig. 8; Fig'l() shows a front elevation of the mecha nism illustrated in Fig. 7 Fig. 11 shows a top plan view of the movable head upon which the welding apparatus is mounted; Fig. 12 shows an enlarged front elevation of one of the strap-gripping devices illustrated in Fig. 10, with the front cover-plate thereof removed; Fig. 13 shows a front elevation of the strap-cutting device illustrated in Fig. 10, with parts thereof removed; Fig. 14 shows a partial vertical section taken on the line 1li-14: of Fig. 8 looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 15 shows a detailed front elevation of the welding points and associated parts, illustrating the construction of the points and their relation to the overlapping ends of the re-enforcing strap; Fig. 16 shows a top plan view of Y the meeting ends of the strap after they have been welded together at two points; Fig. 17 shows a longitudinal central section taken' through the strap illustrated in Fig. 16; Fig. 18 shows a partial side elevation of the welding head with parts thereof broken away, illustrating the .switch mechansim for establishing a circuit through the welding points after they have been brought into engagement with the overlapping ends of the strap; Fig. 19 shows a top plan view of the switch arm and the Contact members embodied in the switch; Fig. 2() shows a detailed section taken on the line20-2O of Fig. 1Q; and Fig. 21 shows an enlarged end elevation ofthe switch lever, illustrating the relative positions of the double-pointcontacts of the switch.

The machine comprises a supporting base 2() which is preferably mounted on rollers 21 so that the apparatus may be readily moved about. A vertical standard 22 extends upwardly from the base 20 and is adapted to carry the strap-stretching and welding mechanism which is designated generally by the numeral 23. For the purpose of supporting the boxes or other packages to which the reenforcing band is to be applied, the base 20 isiuounted thebo-supportiu :able 28. The cylindrical portion ot' the standard is provided on its oute; side with longitudinal slot 29 adapted to be. engaged bj. a rack bar 3G proiecting outwardly troni tie post vrliicl it is secured This reel bar 1s at irpose o ising o to accommodate di Y, t bones or packages placed the She rotation of the shaft 32 f 3l is normally prevented by i 35 mounted on the end ot the sha adjacent bearin as shown in their teeth no y engaging' under the intl ence of a coil spring; 35a vvhi is mounted between the other bearing 3B ai i the handle t the other end ot the sha,.. lllhen the handle is pushed inwardly aga the compression of the spring to cause the clutch teeth to' disengage, the shaft may be rotated b v the handle to raise or lower the post 2i". rlhe post is secured in adjusted position by a pair oli-ears 3G mounted on the upper end of the standard Q4 and connected by a bolt havingl pivoted handle 38 which may be operated to draw the ears together and thereby clamp the post Within the standard.

rihe boX or other package Li0, to Which the ire-enforcing straps are to be applied, is placed on the upper surface of the table 28 with the innermost edge thereof seated against an angle bar 4l Which is clamped in position hy adjusting devices 42 engaging transverse slots in the table. The slots 43 are iorined in the top plate ed of the table and this plate is also provided with a plurality of circulaiapertures havingl spherical balls 45 projecting upwardly therethrough above the top surface of the table to coact directly With the boit or package. rThese balls are mounted in collars which are secured to the lower plate /AT oi the table, as shown in The slots 43 in the upper plate of the table are engaged b v the heads of the clamping bolts 49 which entend upwardly through holes in the angle bar ill With their upper ends tl'ireadedly engaged by the hand nuts 50. The angle bar is spaced troni ie table by ,n A i e under side therein'L and when intermedia te clainpino devices are iiitened the bar is secured rigid v 1n posi on. The vertical flange ot the i f :ted longitudinally as shown i i d this slot has a stop ineinbei gnerein and secured in place b. he adjusting' nut el engaging the threaded .stern thereon. The boi; inay be age is positioned on s over the front edge dotted lines in Fig. strap is applied to the the box or package. roin a reel` 56" which on a braclret 57 prothe central standard strap is Withdrawn el by the operator and fleeting end of the box, projecting inclined the :toi-Ward corners of the tabv i to preve the strap troni passing; beneath the tanni. The Welding;r and strap-stretching hanisni 23 is carried by ahead GO having he in illustrated paiticularly g. ll. head is niounted to roclr on a shaft Gl ci.. red by the standard 22 and projecting horizontally therefrom parallel to the tahle An arin G3 projects rearwardly from the head 60 and the end of the arrn is pivotalljv connected at 64 to a vertical rod 65 vvhicn has its lower end pivoted at 66 to the pedal 67. The pedal 67- is pivoted 68 on the under side of the base 2O and the end of the pedal carries a foot; plate G73- ivhich is located at the front side of the machine as shown in Fig. l. The pedal 67 has an arrn 69 projecting upwardly therefrom Within the hollow base 20, as shown in Fig. 2, andthe upper end of this arm is forked to extend on opposite sides of a rod which is secured in the opposite Walls of the base. The pedal 67 is norn'ially held in its uppermost positionJ corresponding to the lowerznost position of the rod 65, due to the action of a coil spring 7l vwhich is mounted on the rod 7G between one "vall of the base and the collar lla which is slidably mounted on the rod. The movement of the arm 69 under the influence of the spring 'TO is limited by another spring 72, somewhat shorter and stiller in construction, which is mounted on the rods 70 at the other side of the arm 69 so that when the lever is elevated and thehead 60 thereby tilted upwardly, the tilting of the head is limited by the enga-gement of the extremity of the arm 69 with the collar 72a mounted on the rods 7 O at the end of the spring 72. Ey pressing on the pedal 67, the operator is enabled to tilt the head 60 and thus bring portion (itl the welding plate 75 and the strap-holding plates 76 and 77 into contact with the upper surface of the boX 40.

The plates 75, 76 and 77 are carried by the head 60 and are adapted to receive the strap on their upper sides as shown particularly in Fig. 10. The operator maintains his foot on the pedal 67 in order'to keep the head in its lower posit-ion while the strap 55 is being adj usted with the end thereof overlying the welding plate and with the supply portion 55, leading from the reel 56, eX tended over a flange 79 which projects outwardly above the holding plate 76. The free end portion of the strap 55 is adapted .to be secured to the plate 76 by a gripping member 80 adapted to engage the upper side of the strap and press it downwardly against the plate. As' shown particularly in Figs. 9 and 11the gripping member 80 extends upwardly into a housing81 having a detachable front cover plate 82. 'The bar 80 slides in an inclined guideway and it is normally held in its upward position by means of a spring 83 which engages a slot 83a therein and is mount-- ed on stationary pins 84. The lower end of t-he gripping member 80 is serrated to grip the strap 55 while the upper end of the gripping member is provided with a rounded surface adapted to be engaged by a cam 85 which is pivoted at 8,6 and provided with an operating handle 87. When the handle 87 is turned downwardly to the position illustrated in Fig. 10, the cam forces the member 80 downwardly into engagement with the strap. The forward tilting of the arm 87 is limited by a lug 88 formed on the cam and adapted to engage the shoulder 90. In a similar manner, the portion of the strap 55 at the other side of the weldin plate 75 is held against the plate 77 by anot er gripping member 91 which is mounted in a housing 92 and adapted to slide in an inclined guideway. As' in the construction of the other gripping \member, the bar 91 is normally forced in an upward direction by means of a spring and the downward movement thereof is effected byl means of a pivoted camv 93 having an operating handle 94: which is capable of being moved from the dotted position illustrated in Fig. 9 to the position illustrated by full lines where it holds the gripping member in contact with the upper surface of the strap 55 above the holding plate 77.

The holding plates 76 and47 7 and their cooperating gripping members are carried by blocks 95 and 96, respectively, which are threadedly engaged by a screw 97 having right and left-hand threads which engagey the two blocks so that upon rotation of the screw the blocks are drawn together or separated,-

depending upon the direction of rotation. The screw 97 is journaled -in bearings 98 carried by the head 60 and the blocks 95 and 96 are provided with projecting arms 100 adapted to slide on rod 101 so that the blocks are prevented from rotating during the rotation of the adjusting screw. The rotation of the screw 97 for adjusting the. positions of the blocks 95 and 96 is effected by means of a pinion 102 secured to the screw adjacent one of thebearings 98 and arranged to mesh with a large driving gear 103 mounted on a shaft 104. This gear normally tends to turn in a direction adapted to separate the blocks 95 a nd 96 due to the action of a flat spiral spring 105 which is secured to the hub of the gear 103 a nd to the block 106 extending upwardly from the bearing 107 in which the shaft 101 is mounted .as shown particularly in Fig. la. This spring is mounted in a recess 118 which is'formed in the side of the gear and is at all times under sutlicient tension to return the gear to its normal position after it has been moved in the forward direction for the purpose of movingl the blocks 95 and 96 together. This 'forward motion of the gear 103 is brought about by a lever 110 which is loosely mounted on an extension 111 of the shaft 104. .This lever 110 is provided with a hub or drum 112 having a Spiral spring 113 fixed and wound thereon with its free end attached at 114 to the arm 115 projecting from a bolt or pin 116 which is carried by a bracket secured to the head 60. This spring 113 tends normally to return the lever 110 to the normal position illustrated in Fig. 8 where the upper part of the lever is shown resting on'a rubber bumper 117 mounted on the pin 118 projecting from the side of the bracket 128. When the operator wishes to cause the blocks 95 and 96 to move toward each other to stretch the strap 55 on the box, he grips the handle 110a of the lever 110 and moves it in a forward direction on its pivot in opposition to the action of the spiral spring 113 which is wound up by the forward movement of the lever. The motion of the lever is imfparted to the gear 103 by a pawl 120 which is Xed on a small shaft 121 rotatably engaging the lever and having! a Cotter pin 122 passing through the opposite end thereof. A coil spring 123 is connected at one end to the cot-- ter pin and at the other end to the upwardly inclined portion 110b of the lever so that this spring normally tends to move the pawl into engagement with the teeth of the gear 103. When the lever 110 is in its rearward position in contact with the bumper 117, the pawl 120 is held out of engagement with the teeth of the gear by the engagement of a projecting tooth 124 on the pawl with a stationary lug 125 carried by the bracket 128-secured to the head 60.v When the operator moves the lever 110 in a forward direction to effect the rotation of the gear 103, the pawl 120 is automatically held in engagement with the gear teeth by the spring 123. As the gear rotates,

' the teeth thereof are adapted to slide beneath the tooth 126% of a detent 126 which is pivoted at 127 on the bracket 128 on whichxthe lug 125 is mounted, as shown particularly in Fig. 14. The tooth 126 of the detent has an inclined rear face so that it permits the forward rotation of the gear while preventing the reverse rotation thereof, and it is normally forced into engagement with the gear teeth by means of a spring 129. lllhen the operator releases the lever 119, it is automatically returned to its normal rearward position by the action ot' a spiral lspring 113, the rear face of the tooth of the paivl 12() being inclined to permit it to slide over the gear teeth during the reverse movement of the lever. lVhen the lever reaches its rearward position, the pawl is automatically moved out of engagement with the. gear teeth by the engagement of the proliection 124 with the lug 125 and at the same time the lever engages theV upwardly extending arm of the detent 126 and moves it out of engagement with the gear teeth so that the gear is then permitted to rotate in the reverse direction under the influence of the coil spring 105, as hereafter explained, thereby effecting an automatic separation of the blocks 95 and 96.

Assuming that the strap has previously been secured in position with the parts thereof above the box or package secured to the holding plates 76 and 77 by the gripping members 8O and 91, respectively, the forward motion of the lever 110 and the corresponding forward rotation of the gear 103 causes the strap to be tightly stretched on the box due to thei ward movement of the blocks 95 and 96. xflhe lever may be given a reciprocating motion in order to secure a degree of rotation of the gear 103 necessary to obtain the desired adjustment. of the strap and the operator then cuts ofi:` the portion of the strapleading from the reel 56 by actuating a c-utting lblade 135, of substantially semi-circular cross-section, which is carried by a plunger 136 slidably mounted in a guideway 137 formed in the forward part of the head 69. The cutting blade 135 is secured to the plunger 136 by a set-screw 138 which passes through the wall of the socket in which the end of the cutting blade is mounted. This set-screw may be reached' through a slot 139 which is formed in the cover-plate 140 mounted on the front end of the head to close the guideway 137. A pin 141 projects laterally from the plunger 136 through a slot 142 located behind the coverplate 140 and a coil spring 143 connects this pin with a lug` 144 projecting laterally from the forward end of the head 60, so that the spring tends normally to move the plunger 136 iu anupward direction. The upper end of the plunger 136 carries a ioller 145 which is adapted to coact with the cam arm 146 which is operated by a handle 147. The handle and the cam arm are formed integrally and mounted on a shaft which is journaledL in the bearing 143 located at the forward end of the head 69, the shaft being provided with a collar 149 at the opposite end thereof, as shown particularly in F ig. 10. lVhen the handle 147 is moved in a forward direction the cam arm, contacting with the roller 145, pushes the plunger 136 downwardly and causes the cutting blade 135 to engage the strap 55 and sever the same by cooperation with a stationary cutting blade 159 which is mounted above the welding plate in a position to receive the lower stretch of the strap beneath it and to support the upper stretch of the strap on its upper surface. The blade 135 is adapted to come to rest before it engages the lower stretch of a strap which lies in contact with the plate 75' so that only the upper stretch of the strap is cut off, this limit of the cutting movement being determined by a lug 151 which is carried by the handle 147 and which engages a stationary lug 152 carried by the bearing 148, as shown in Figs. 7 and 10. When the. strap has been cut, the operator releases the handle and both the handle and the plunger are then returned to their normal positions by the action of thecoil spring 143, the upper movement of the plunger being limited by the engagement of a lug 151 with another stationary lug 153 which is carried by the bearing 148. After the strap 55 has been severed by the blade 135 and the stationary plate 150, the supply portion 55a of the strap leading from the reel 56 is held in readiness for the next succeeding operation by a leaf spring 154 which is secured to the head 95 by means of a screw 155 and which forces the strap outwardly against the plate 156 which is secured to the flange 79 projecting outwardly from the head 95 above the holding plate 76. The operation of cutting the strap by the movement 0f the blade 135 is performed while the strap is stretched tightly on the box or package and after the lever 110 has been released by the operator. The automatic separation of the blocks 95 and 96, which carry the holding plates, is prevented until thegripping members are released from the strap, due to the fact that the tightly stretched strap creates a binding action or frictional engagement of the blocks 95 and 96 with the screw 97. Then the gripping members 8O and 91 are released, after the strap has been cut by the cooperating blades 135 and 150, the blocks 95 and 96 are separated by the reverse rotation of the gear 103 caused by the action of the spring 195, as heretofore mentioned.

The lower welding plate 75 is formed on the forward end of a terminal plate 160 which is secured to a laminated'copper strap 161 forming the secondary circuit of an electric transformer 162. This transformer is mounted on the head 60, at the rear of the shaft 61 on which the head is adapted to tilt, and the primary windings 163 of the transformer are energized through electric connections 164 leading from a suitable source of supply. The other end of the laminated copper strap 161 which forms the secondary circuit of the transformer is clamped between plates 166 carried by a block 167 of copper or the like, provided at its forward end with a head 168 which carries the movable welding point. The block 167 is mounted to swing laterally on a shaft 169 which is mounted in a vertical plane in bearings formed in a bracket 170 which is mounted at its lower end on a horizontal stub shaft 171 projecting laterally from the head 60 parallel to the shaft 61. The parts ofthe member 167 which engage the shaft 169 are insulated from -the shaft and from the bracket 170 by bushings 172 so that the bracket 170 is not included in the circuit with the block 167 and the welding head 168. This method of mounting the block 167 permits the welding head to be moved both laterally and vertically to effect the desired positioning of the movable welding point. This movable welding point is in the form of a tapered copper plug 175 which fits a similarly shaped recess formed in the lateral projection 176 carried at the lower end of the head 168, as shown particularly in Fig. 15. The head 168 may be moved by rocking the block 167 about the shaft 169 so that it may occupy either of the positions illustrated by full lines and dotted lines in Fig. 15 and, after being placed in either of these positions, the downward movement of the block 167 about the shaft 171 will cause the welding point 175 to compress the overlapping ends of the strap against either of the lower welding points 177 and 17 8 carried by the lower welding plate 7 5. The welding points 177 and 178 arek also in the form of tapered plugs which detachably engage tapdred sockets in the welding plate so that they may be removed and replaced when desired. This form of construction is of great advant e in'permitting the renewal of any of the iafalding points without the delay and expense of renewing any other parts of the machine. After the head 168 has been lowered in either of the positions illustrated in Fig. 15, the closing of the circuit of the primary winding of the transformer will cause a heavy current to pass instantaneously Ithrough the secondary winding of the trans former and through the welding peints, resulting inthe formation of spotwelds 180 as shown in Figs. 16 and 17. These welds are substantially circular in cross section and are located midway between the lateral edges of the strap in close proximity to the. extremities of the strap. The cutting blade 135 being semi-circular in cross section, produces a semi-circular edge en the end 'of the strap which is concentric with and in close proximity to the adjacent weld 180 se that the bending up ef the entraine ends cf strap prevented during the mevenrernl e. the boa or package after the reenforcing straps have been applied. Y

The block 167 is guided in its double tilting movement by means of a plate 182 secured to the forward end of the head and having an irregular slot 183 lformed therein to be engaged by a pin 184 attached to the block 167 by a bracket 185, as shown in Fig. 15. The motion of the block 167 and of the head 168, within the limits determined by the irregular slot 188, is produced by means of a lever 190 having a handle 191 adapted to. be engaged by the hand of the operator. The lever 190 is pivoted at 192 on the block 167 and it isguided by a plate 193 which is spaced outwardly from the block 167 by bushings 194 and secured to the block by bolts 195. The lever 190 normally tends to move in an upward direction with respect to the lock 167 due to the action of a coil spring 196 which has one end connected to the arm 197 projecting downwardly from the lower part of the lever while the other end thereof is connected to a bolt 198, passing through a lug 197 on the side of the block and threadedly engaged on the'other side of the lug by an adjusting nut 200. The adjustment of this nut regulates the tension of the spring and varies the pressure of contact of the welding points, as hereinafter more fully explained. Another coil spring 201 is connected between the upward part of the lever 190 anda stationary object, such as the frame of the transformer, and this spring tends normally to maintain both the lever 190 and the block 167 in their uppermost positions. The tension of the spring tion where it clcses a switch and establishes' a. cireuitthrough the primary winding of the 'transformer so that a welding current is passed between the welding points while they in engagement with the strap. The switch mechanism is operated by an arm 202 which projects laterally from the lever 196 as a stud .203 moves in the outer end thereof. This stud is provided with a winged nut and the lower end thereof is engaged by washers vand a nut 205 so that the portion c' the stud projecting through 'the arm 202 i y be regulated. in length as desired. 'lh cf this stud is adapted to ccact with a switch lever 206 which is pivnted on a stub shaft 207 projecting later ally from a bracket attached to the head 60. The switch lever 206 operates a relatively fined arm 208 which is 'ccnnected by a coil spring 209 with the upwardly projecting iiange 210 fcrined cn Athe switch arm y211q f The switch arm 2 11 is also pivotally niounted on the stub shatt- 207 and the lower end thereot is engaged by a pin 212 which supports a cross bar 213, this bar being insulated from 5 the pin and the adjacent tace of the switch arm by means or" a bushing 21e and washers 21e, The ends of the cross bar are constructed in the form of split collars or hubs 215 which are internally threaded to be engaged le by the upwardly extending threaded contact members 216, provided at their lower ends with grooves 21'? to be engaged by a screwdriver. Each ot the hubs or collars 215 is provided with a pair of projecting ears 218 which are united by clamping screws 219 so that the ears may be adjusted to cause the collars to grip vthe contact members 216 and maintain them in their adjusted positions. lllhen the outer end of the switch arm 211 is 2u elevated, the Contact screws 216 are adapted to engage other similar Contact screws 220 which are mounted in the terminals 221 connected to the conductors 16e which control the circuit of the primary winding of the transformer. These terminals are mounted in an insulating block 222 which is carried by the upper part ot the head G0. The upper contact screws 22() engage split collars or hubs 223, similar to the collars 215 previous- Se ly describedj the collars 223 being also provided with ears 22" which may be brought ne together by adjusting screws 22o. Then the stud 203 carried by the lever i90 is brought into engagement with the end oit the switch lever 206, the tension exerted on the coil spring 209 raises the switch arni 211 and closes the circuit of the transformer. ritter the switch is closed, the continued movement ot the lever 190, with a resulting extension 0 of the spring 209 takes place to insure a coinplete closure or the switch contacts, beltore the motion o'lE the lever 190 arrested by the 'ement oit another stud with the upr iaceot the plate 182 peviously deaf. scribed. AThe stud 230 en an arin 2531 which projects laterally from the lever lill). the upper end of' the. stud being provided with a winged nut 232 and the lower eY d thereo being ergaged by washers 233 ar 5@ nutso that e 1)rejecting portion oi stud may be reg lated to liniii lie niovci it ot lever 190 at any desired point within a considerable range. A

The excess1 'e heating of the movable. welding head 168 is prevented by a cooling srs- 1 comprising ay tanlr 2dr-fl mountedly .d by the ver end oi crible tubes s and le i( n tnetanl; 2 b at dililereni elevations a connected the welding;` head whit t so that the water i lr 230 is caused to circulate i' l e weldin f on et the the post 2? is adjusted vertically in the standard 2-1 until the top surface ot' the box is in such proximity to the welding apparatus 23 as to permit the welding plate and the holding plates To and TT to engage the upper side of' the box when the head is tilted torwardly and downwardly. rlhe box or package should preferably project beyond the front edge ot' the table and it may be positioncd accuratelyY by adjusting the angle bar Lll and the lug 53 to engage the side and end ot the box, respectively, when it is in the desired position. 'lter the box has been located in this manner, the operator seizes the end 55 ot the strap, which is then held on the flange 79 of the block 95 by the action of the spring 15%, and atter removing the strap troni the flange T9. a. loop is termed in the strap and it is passed around the projecting end ot the bon as illustrated particularly in Figs. t3 and 1U. The `free end ot the strap is brought over the right-hand side ot the box, as viewed in Fig. 10, with the ex! tremity thereof lying above the lower welding points 177 and 178 and this portion ot the strap secured -to the holding plate 76 by operating the cani to move the gripping member SO downwardly and into engagement with the strap. i The loop in the strap then drawn tightly about the box with the portion thereof above the box extending over the other holding plate T7 and above the stationary cutting blade 150. The supply portion ot the strap leading' from the reel is placed in position on the flange 75) behindhthe plate 15G, against which it is pressed by the spring 154, and the strap is then secured to the holding plate 77 byoperating the cam 93 to :torce the gripping member 91 into engagement with thel strap. The operator then moves the lever 11() inv a forward direction, reciprocating the lever if necessary., to bring` about the desired degree et rotation ot the adjusting or stretching `screw 9T. thus causing the blocks 95 and Se to move together and stretch the strap tightly about the box. The preliminary adjustment of the s -..p should preferably be such that the tree end will not project much beyond ionary welding points 17T and 17S chA lf the strap has been ching the strap, the torward direction to handle is moved ni f. cause the downwa l movement. ot' theplunger 136 and a corresonding downward morcinent oit the cutting ll 135 which cuts oil' the strap along the edge ol the statioiniry cutting blade lot). l" ownwa rd niet ion ot' the cutting blade also 'forces the newly cut tl rap into cngageinei'ir with the i 3h contacts directly.'

17T and 17S, so that has been returned the action ot the in readines 1 tor the weldin operation. The opera r then moves the tvever 190 in a forward direction, the downward movement thereof causing a downward tilting of the block 167 until the welding head 168 assumes the position indicated by full lines in Fig. 15, being guided to that position by the inclined wall of the slot in the plate 182. The continued motion of the lever 190 then closes the switch which controls the primary circuit of the transformer, with the result that the contacting extremities of the 'strap are welded between the welding point 175 and the welding point 177. The operator then releases the lever 190 suiiiciently to permit the elevation of the welding point 175v from ythe upper surface of the strap, under the influence of the spring 201, and a lateral pressure is applied to the lever 190 to move the welding head 168 laterally about the pivot 169, to the extent permitted by the slot 183, whereupon the forward motion of the lever 190 again moves the head 168 downwardly until it assumes the position illustrated by dotted lines in Fig. 15 with the welding point 175 located above the welding point 178. The continued motion of the lever 190 then closes thelswitch and causes a second weld to be formed as shown in Fig. 16. The lever 190 isthen released and permitted to return to its normal position by the action of the spring 196 and 201 after which the levers 87 and 94 are operl. atedto release the strap from the gripping members 80 and 91. The box is then slid in a forward direction to cause the welded strap to slide olf of the welding plate 75 and the holding plates 76 and 77, there being sufcient tension in the strap to cause the upper part thereof to spring downwardly into close contact with the upper surface of the box after he plates have been withdrawn. 'I he lever 10 will have been released by the operator and Will have automatically re.

turned to its normal position after the strap was first gstretched on the box so that 'the lever will have released the detent 126 and the pawl 120 from engagement vwith the teeth of the gear 103 and, when the box is moved in a forward direction to release the welded strap from the holding plates 76 and 77, the gear 103 automatically rotates in a reverse direction under the influence of the/ spiral spring 105, thereby separating the blocks 95 and 96 in readiness for a new adjustment of the strap on another box or package or for the application of another reenorcing strap to the same box or package. Although one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described for purposes ot' illustration, it will be understood that it may be constructed in various other forms without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

le claim:

1. device lfor welding a metal strap con;im

rent to said circuit, a single operati prising means for holding a strap in the form of a loop, means for severing said strap from the source of supply with the ends of the loo-p overlapping and directed in opposite directions, and' means operating thereafter ior electrically welding the overlapping ends of the strap.

2. A device for welding a metal strap com` prising a pair of holding devices ifor holding a strap in the form of a loop with its ends overlapping and directed in opposite directions, means for adjusting said ends longitudinally to contract said loop,.and means movable into operative engagement with said stra aft-er saidloop has been contracted for wel ing the overlapping ends of the strap.

3. A device for welding a metal strap comprising means for holding a strap in looped form, meansA for severing the strap from the source of supply with the ends thereof overlapping, means for/adjusting said holding means to contract said loop, a plurality of welding points on one side of said overlapped portions of said strap, a welding point on the other side of'said overlapped portions, means for positioning said last named weld ing point opposite either of the lirst named welding points, and means for causing an electric current to pass between the opposed welding points.

4. A device for welding a metal strap comprisingpmeans for holding a strap in looped form with its free end extending beneath the body portion thereof, said holding means comprising a pair of holding devices, means for adjusting said holding devices toward eachother, means operated independently of said adjusting means for severing the body portion of said strap with the free ends ot the looped portion overlapping, and means for welding said overlapping portions of said strap.

5. A device for welding a metal strap coni-y prising means for holding a strap in looped form with its free end extending beneath the body portion thereof, said holding means comprising a pair ot holding devices, means .for adjusting said holding devices toward each other, means for severing the body portion of said strap with the free ends of the looped portion overlapping and directed in opposite direct-ions, a pair of welding points adapted to engage opposite sides of said over lapping portions oi said strap, and means for causing an electric current to pass between said welding points.

6. A. device for welding a metal strap coniprising a welding plate, means for holding a strap with its ends located above said plate, a

gage the portions of said strap plate, an electric circuit having connected to said plate and te sa head, a switch for coifitrollin'gV the no welding head having part adapted to enM i ive said Lemme adapted its initial movement to move said weldingT head into engagement `vith said st rap a n d hv the cont inncd movement thereo'' to ope ie said switch to close said circuit,

and means for periniieaig the lateral swing*- ing t s Welding head hlv the n'ianipnlation rxaline member :tor infecting the sai l stra i .t a )hiralitv of points. i. vl'fe lor Hiding a metal strap com` prisme' means for holding a looped strap With the free crd cxtendin beneath the hodv portion th a al strap, coni- 'pping and holding a )arateil points with r g points, i 'elative positions ci to linee-e e tric circuit 1 .4 act latine' points. and means 'for closing Q )osite sides zine' a metal strap, com- 'rg a strap with its or stationary Weldge one side of the 'ne strain, a mo fable A( pti t. meanf,` tor moving said movable welding' point into contact with said strap opposti te each said station ary weldingI points in succession and means for causing an electric current to pass between the opposite Welding points when said movable welding point is in each of said `positions.

l0. device for Welding;` a metal strap means r holding the strap, a wlltiing plate naving@T a plnmlit;v of ng points, a movable Ywelding; a snij-jle Welding' point and means aid iveldinA1 head laterally/,fv and position its welding noin't op-- "i said lirst named Welding or holding the strap with iding' plate adapted i the overlapping aile Welding head ngage id strap on i 2 plate, and ng head about i axes to engage said ohnfaliav of positions the means' for vertie 'i strap in f above s a pac anpling a metal strap to means Afor holding the ine pa luge, means for ie snap into close contact with means for cutting the strap to form overlappingr end portions, a. pair of tveldingl points adapted to engage "ie under side ot the overltippingv portions of said strap, a movable welding' point adapted to engage the upper side ot' the overlapping portions ot' 7 said strap opposite each of said lirst-inimed Welding points, and .means lor causing an electric pass between the opposite Welding u i 18. i; dev tor applvin a metal strap to 75 a pi cirage. comprising means ior holt i he strap looped around the package, m ian *o stretching the strap into close contact vvith the package. means for cutting the strap to l'orm overlanj/ingy e l oli' so M. i device for 'Welding a .metal strap, u!" comprimir(` veldir "j plate, means 'tot holdn a strap with cnil t overlapping ehove saio` plate. a movahle Welding head. a trans- 'ormer having` a secondai?)v Winding connected to said welding head and said plate afi an electric circuit connected to the primary winding o said transformer7 a switch for closingsaid circuit, and means for moving said Welding` head into engagement vv'ith said strap and for closing said switch thereafter. 10o

lfm-ul deice 'for iveldinil a metal strap, comprising a "weldingl plate, means ior holding al strap vvith its ends overlappingabove said plate, a movable welding head. a transformer having a secondary Windingf con- 105 nected to said welding heed and saidplate. an electric circuit connected to the primar): winding olE said transformer, a switch for closing seid circuit, lever mounted on an axis having' a ,fixed posflion with reslgiect to 11o said Welding' head, efenfi-iblc means for restrainingv the pivotal movement oi said lever vfith respect to said heed. said lever heine' adapted byits initial nniivement to moi. head into eino'efrement with the of the overh. j portions of said meer s actual ne in platefmec A a its ends f L. rte, i movable wel iormer having; a seconc nected to sitl Welding; hea. an electric cir winding o' said transf/eimer, a closing said circuit, a lever monfitei axis having a fixed p is With re said Welding head, extensible n?. ans

j v straining the pivotal movement of Said lever 130 with res ect to said head, said lever being ada ted by its initial movement to move said hea into engagement with the upper side of the overlapping ort-ions of said strap. n

17. A device flor Welding a metal strap, comprising a welding plate, means for holding a strap With-its ends overlapping above said plate, a movable welding l1ead, a transformer having a seconda-ry Windin connected to said welding head and `said plate, an electric circuit connected to the rimary Winding of said transformer, a swltch for closing said circuit, a lever mounted on an axis having a fixed position with respect to said welding head, extensible means for restraining the pivotal movement of said lever with respect to said head, said lever being ada ted y its initial movement to move said hea into engagement with the u per sidev of the overlapping portions of sai strap, and stationary means adapted to limit the con'- tinued motion of said irst-named lever after said switch is closed. Y

18. A device for 4applying a metal strap to a package, comprising a su porting head, a welding plate carried bysai head, a member mounted on said head to tilt about a horizontal axis, a block mounted on said member to swing about a vertical axis, a welding head` carried by said 4block opposite said weldlcilgi late, and means for swinging said aterally and vertically.

'hol lng devices carried by sai 19. A device for welding a metal strap com yrising a supporting frame .a pair of dJ frame for holding the strap in the form of a loop With its ends overlapping and directedI in opposite directions, means for adjusting said holding devices longitudinally of said strap to contract said loo ,Welding means carried by said supportin rame to engage said strap between sai holding devices after said loop has been contracted, and means for supporting and permittin movement of said frame for effecting bodiy movement of said holding devices and said Welding means.

20. A device for welding a metal strap comprising a supporting frame, a pair of holding devices carried by said frame 'for holdingi the strap in the form of a loop with its ends overlapping and directed in opposite directions, means forl adjusting said holding jdevices` lon itudinally of said strap to contract said oop, welding means lcarried by said supportingV frame to engage said strap between said holding devices after said loop has been contracted, and a standard on which said supporting frame is pivoted for permitting bodily movement of said holdin devices nd said vwelding means to and rom operative position.'

LCHESTER M. MiCeHEsNEY. RALPH H.y NORTON. f 

